"They changed the rules to split them, that's why the rule came in that you couldn't pair main drivers, because of those two.

"The fact we can get them back together, bring it on.

"There'll be a lot of pressure that comes with that as well, but we like the pressure.

"They've worked so well together before, we know they can drive similar set-ups, if not identical, and work together really well.

"That'll be really exciting, the whole enduro season, but Bathurst will be massive."

Lowndes last raced in Red Bull colours in 2015

Lowndes' first Bathurst triumph with Whincup in 2006 was just his second at Mount Panorama, ending a 10-year drought.

He has now won the race seven times, sitting two behind mentor Peter Brock, including last October with Steven Richards in his last visit as a lead driver.

"Jamie and I have a great history," Lowndes said.

"With a lot of people wanting the pairing to happen, I’m going to really enjoy driving with Jamie.

"As the year goes on I can’t wait to see how Jamie and Shane [van Gisbergen] perform this year with the new car and growing on the speed we had from last year.

"Getting back into the car for the enduros will be really special."

Lowndes launched the 2019 Red Bull HRT livery in Queensland on Sunday

The reformed partnership comes with a role reversal; Whincup is now the primary driver having joined Triple Eight as an unproven youngster in 2006.

Whincup has seven titles to his name, but has been stranded on four Bathurst wins since 2012 after various misadventures with Paul Dumbrell in recent years.

"In some way it feels like we’re getting the band back together," Whincup said.

"Lowndesy and I obviously had a good run at the enduros a few years ago and he’s coming off the back of a win in the Enduro Cup last year, so we’ll be working hard to give ourselves and the team the best shot later this year.

"Our previous results are no indication of how we’ll go this time around, but if there’s anyone you’d want on your side at Bathurst, it’s Craig Lowndes."